Jammin'

Nov. 26, 2004

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes

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FREEPORT, BAHAMAS — Iowa travelled a far distance to celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays, but the time was well-spent Friday when three Hawkeyes scored in double-figures to lead Lisa Bluder’s squad to its third victory of the young season, a 65-62 win over Florida in first round action of the Junkanoo Jam in Freeport, Bahamas.

Jamie Cavey scored a team-high 19 points, Crystal Smith 13 — including seven in the final seven minutes, and Jenna Armstrong 11 for the Hawkeyes. Krista VandeVenter grabbed a team-high six reounds.

Iowa’s defense was outstanding for the third straight game. Florida shot just 37 percent from the field. Danielle Santos scored a game-high 23 points for the Gators, who also got 18 points from Bernice Mosby.

Iowa took an eight-point lead into the lockerroom at intermission. The Hawkeyes stretched that margin to 14 when Cavey dropped a free throw to complete a traditional three-point play.

The Hawkeyes then watched Florida trim their lead to just one at 53-52 when Santos sank a three-pointer. It was then, however, that Smith took over for Iowa. The Hawkeyes’ senior point guard seven of Iowa’s final 13 points to secure the victory.

“This was a tremendous win for our program. We played so well in the first half and withstood Florida’s second half charge. Our bench play was huge today and was one of the keys to victory,” said Bluder.

Iowa’s bench outscored the Gators, 23-12.

“Our players didn’t back down today. Florida is fast and athletic, but I thought we have the better basketball players,” Bluder added. “Jenna (Armstrong) played very well today and made such clutch 3-pointers. Stacy (Schlapkohl) also made some key baskets after offensive rebounds and Krista (VandeVenter), again dominated the boards.”

Iowa plays the winner of the Akron-Oklahoma game on Saturday before returning to Iowa City to begin preparation for its Dec. 1 date against intrastate rival Iowa State. That game is the next event in the new Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series.